Monster rookie stuns Broncos in fitness test

PAYNE Haas has stunned teammates in his return to pre-season training, after winger Herbie Farnworth was the only one who could beat the giant forward in a 1.2km time trial on Thursday.

The exciting young prop, who made his NRL debut earlier this year, set a cracking pace at Red Hill on Thursday morning, moving with ease to take the early lead over the likes of Farnworth, Jack Bird, Troy Dargan, Patrick Mago and George Fai.

While Bird also looked fit in his return from a sternum injury, Haas made a strong statement in the short session, with 18-year-old development player Farnworth only claiming a win in the time trial in the final hundred metres.

The 119kg, 194cm-tall forward showed his promise in just three appearances for the Broncos last year, before a shoulder injury ruled him out for the season.

However, it is clear Haas has his sights set on securing himself a regular spot in the 17 next year.